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By Akpan David, Calabar
Smallholder farmers in Cross River State have said they will take advantage presented by the lectures, technical expertise and inputs during the celebration of this year’s Foods and Agricultural Organization World Food Day.
The event was held weekend in Kakwagom community of Boki LGA in the he state
The farmers said the opportunities will boost their commitments and food productions in the state and that the introduction of the World Food Day canival to their various communities was another booster.
The commendation event where nearly 300 smallholder farmers were recognised and given certificates for contributions towards food security was organised in the state by Wemton Agricultural Development Advisory Services, WADAS, in conjunction with Offer Of Jobs Opportunities for Women and Children, OJO WACNET, an NGO in the state.
The farmers expressed happiness that they will benefit from global good agricultural practise (GGAP) standards in all areas of their cultivation, operation, and harvests, safe food marketing, and export of quality healthy produce to Europe and America.
Commending the gestures and encouragements to local farmers, Mrs. Angela Bako, Senior Lecturer at the Federal College of Education, Katsina Ala, who came from Benue State to celebrate with the Cross River neighbours as well as Hon. Linda Somiari Stewart, Member, Rivers State House of Assembly and Matron of OJO WACNET, spoke on importance of boosting agriculture to ensure food security in Nigeria.
Hon Paul Okoh, a farmer and Special Adviser to Boki local Chairman on Security gave a lecture on organic natural foods from the Boki nation.
Amongst the food vendors, produce merchants and smallholder farmers recognised include those from Boki, Ogoja and Akamkpa local government areas of the State.
The convener, Dr Tony Wemton said they needed to appreciate the farmers and their families, with funfairs, competitions, and awards for best agricultural practise standards in farm management, food handling, storage, and marketing.
Wemton promised further training, and introduction of modern agriculture best practices in order to create agro allied jobs and communal wealth generation in nominated communities.
The event closed with deliciously cooked natural fresh rice and veggies from the stables of local farmers in Boki/Ogoja townships in traditional culinary ways.
creating opportunities for local communities is very important, great to see the farmers being appreciated